11 Feared Dead as Vehicle Plunges Off Eruku Bridge on Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway

At least 11 persons lost their lives on Sunday after a Toyota vehicle plunged off the Eruku Bridge along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State, in what authorities suspect to be a case of overloading and possible reckless driving.

The accident, which occurred late at night, involved a gold Toyota car with registration number GGE722KJ. The vehicle reportedly lost control, somersaulted, and crashed off the bridge, trapping all occupants inside on impact.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Sector Command, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Afolabi Odunsi, who said emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene.

According to him, the vehicle had 11 occupants — 10 adult males and one adult female — all of whom died before rescue teams could extricate them.

“The incident involved a gold Toyota vehicle with registration number GGE722KJ, which somersaulted and fell off the bridge, trapping the occupants inside as the doors locked upon impact,” the statement read.

Odunsi explained that FRSC rescue operatives from the Itori Unit Command, assisted by members of the local community, worked through the night to dismantle the wreckage and recover the bodies.

“All 11 people on board, comprising 10 adult males and one adult female, lost their lives in the crash,” he said.

He added that the remains of the victims had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital morgue in Ifo.

Preliminary findings by the FRSC pointed to possible overloading and driving under the influence as contributing factors to the crash, though investigations are ongoing.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists using the Lagos–Abeokuta corridor to be more cautious, especially during night travel when visibility is reduced.

He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as avoidable if basic road safety rules had been observed.

“The Sector Commander advised travellers on the Abeokuta–Lagos route to exercise extreme caution, especially when driving at night,” Odunsi added.

The latest crash adds to growing concerns over road safety on major highways in Nigeria, where speeding, overloading, and night travel continue to claim lives despite repeated warnings from authorities.